Do you know the best way to feed your toddler?: Your results

A healthy balanced diet provides your toddler with all the vitamins and nutrients that he needs to grow. Are you up to speed with the best way to feed your little one?

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Back to school for you! Our Toddler nutrition section will help you swot up.

You’ve got a pretty solid knowledge base when it comes to feeding your child, but check out our Toddler nutrition section to learn the finer points.

What are you, a nutritionist? You already know everything about feeding your toddler a healthy balanced diet. Well done!

Your answers

How can I encourage my toddler to try new foods?

Promise a delicious pudding afterwards

Offer a mix of sweet and savoury foods

Leave your toddler at the table until he’s finished everything

Offering both sweet and savoury foods in a meal keeps things interesting and makes trying new foods more fun for your toddler. He is more likely to give it a go if he sees you eating it, so sit with him and offer lots of encouragement. Don’t present puddings as a reward, because that’s not the kind of relationship you want your child to develop with sweet foods.

Which of these foods is a good source of iron and protein for your toddler?

Meatballs

Pasta

Potatoes

Good-quality meatballs, sausages and burgers that have a high lean meat content and a low salt content are a good source of iron and protein for your toddler. They tend to be very well received, too. Pasta and potatoes on the other hand are carbohydrates, which is another important component of a balanced diet for your child.

What is the maximum amount of salt you should allow your toddler in a day?

2g

5g

8g

The Food Standards Agency recommends only 2g of salt a day (equivalent to 0.8g sodium) for toddlers. It is difficult to calculate this, as some foods naturally contain salt. But you can keep salt to a minimum by keeping crisps and other salty snacks to occasional treats – no more than once a week. Don't add salt to food at the table, and use herbs and spices rather than salt to flavour food you are preparing. Keep processed foods to a minimum and where you have the choice, use the lower salt variety.

Which of the following fish should you not give to your toddler?

Sardines

Swordfish

Salmon

Large fish that live for many years, such as swordfish, shark and marlin, may contain high levels of mercury and should not be given to children. Oily fish, such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna, trout and eel are a particularly good source of omega 3 fats and vitamins A and D. As some may contain traces of toxins which can build up in the body, it is wise to limit how often your toddler eats oily fish. Twice a week is the recommended limit for girls. It is safe for boys to eat oily fish up to four times a week.

Is it a good idea to give your toddler a vitamin supplement?

Yes

No

The government recommends supplements containing vitamins A and D for children under five years old to prevent rickets, a bone disease, and ensure normal growth and development.

How many drinks should you give your toddler throughout the day?

1 to 3

4 to 5

6 to 8

Offer your toddler six to eight small drinks during the day to keep him hydrated.

Timing is everything when feeding your toddler. When is he more likely to tuck into a main meal?

Before a nap

After a nap

It’s better not to give your child a main meal just before a nap, as he is likely to be too tired to eat. Give him a small snack or drink instead and a meal when he wakes up.

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